LAW OR POLITICS ? THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT OF THAILAND

บทคัดย่อ

The Constitutional Court of Thailand was instituted as part of the broader constitutional reforms during the 1990s, with the intent of establishing an autonomous judicial body insulated from political influence. Designed to function as a critical counterbalance to both Executive and Legislative authority, the Court was envisioned as a guardian of constitutional order. Over the past seventeen years, Thailand has experienced recurring political turbulence, marked by cycles of unrest, two military interventions, and judicial interventions that have significantly shaped the political landscape. Amid this protracted contestation, the Constitutional Court has evolved into a pivotal instrument wielded by elite factions to consolidate power and neutralize political adversaries. This article examines four important rulings issued by the Court in its recent history, arguing that these decisions reflect the institution’s transformation into a moral adjudicator and de facto safeguard against the authority of elected officials.